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Italian seismologists found guilty of manslaughter

22 October 2012

Six Italian seismologists have been found guilty of multiple manslaughter, after the advice they gave prior to the 2009 earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy was deemed inadequate by an Italian court. They face six years in prison.

Tracey Brown, Director, Sense About Science:

"This verdict is outrageous. Courts are not the place to make decisions about scientific evidence. Instead of criminalising scientists, governments should work on understanding and communicating uncertainty when taking scientific advice.

The damage of this verdict will not only affect the seismologists; it will also have a chilling effect on scientists advising policymakers in Italy. It could affect whether seismologists are willing to contribute their expertise elsewhere too. The next time the Italian Government tries to convene a disaster management review, it may well get the advice it deserves, i.e. none."

Background

In the months leading up to April 2009, a region of central Italy had seen an increase in seismic activity. In the face of several false alarms, seismologists advising the Italian government through its Major Hazards Committee met to review the evidence. They concluded that there was no reliable predictor of earthquakes and despite the small-magnitude events in the region, the probability of a major quake remained low. Then, on 6 April, the city of L’Aquila, and several towns nearby, were struck by a devastating quake that killed more than 300 people and destroyed 20,000 buildings. No one has disputed the seismologists’ conclusion that it was impossible to predict such an event, but the Italian government’s response was to put them on trial for manslaughter. Today the six have been sentenced to six years in prison.

Sense About Science is currently working on a Making Sense of Uncertainty guide involving groups across society as well as scientific experts. If you want to be involved please contact Tabitha Innocent at tinnocent@senseaboutscience.org.